Researcher Chutzpah: Strong Researcher-Writer Affirmation, Strong Body, Strong Sense of Direction

Greetings, fellow BLOSSOMING fledgling researchers!

As time goes on, I discover more and more what it is that helps me continue to blossom into a researcher-writer. As time goes on, I am less fledgling in status. Yeah! Below I discuss three of the things that are presently helping most.

What’s REALLY working for you? Please share in the comments, or comment about something in this post (please click the bubble above the post to do so!).

Blessings!

Mickey

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Post Content

New Mantra/Motto to Support My Favorite  Researcher-Writer Affirmation to Write Fearlessly: Exercises of saying and reflecting upon the sentiment “I have something to say about __________.”

One of my favorite guest posts to this blog shared the motto/mantra: “Write fearlessly!” I include this in my tagline at phinished.org, and of the things that other phinished members have discussed with me, that motto/mantra is one of the most popular.

That said, I have stumbled upon something that truly helps me write fearlessly. It’s super simple. It is the practice of saying the statement “I have something to say about ______” with different words emphasized, and then reflecting on the emphases’ meaning.

I don’t know how or why, but the statement (“I have something to say about _____”) recently came to mind one day when I was ruminating about feeling so CHALLENGED in writing this thesis. When it first came to mind, I played around with it, reciting it several different times with emphasis upon a different word each time. I would then take a couple of seconds to meditate (reflect) on what each different recitation means, and I would draw STRENGTH from those reflections. Here’s a demo/explication:

• I have something to say about algebra preparedness/readiness.
  • Reflection: If I’m going to have the chutzpah to declare myself as a researcher, I need the confidence to CONTRIBUTE, and I need to get over this thought of “Who am I to have anything to say?” That’s the POINT!!! It is the fact that I, I, I have found something to say that is the reason that I, I, I should write it. I must keep telling myself this: “Own the confidence to contribute and write, girl!” I, I, I can say something about this that is informed by a very unique set of experiences that give me a very special perspective and unique knowledge set. The conversation about algebra preparedness/readiness will actually benefit from my, my, my addition to the discussion. NOTE: So, when I reflect on this reflection, I notice that it makes me squirm a little bit and has caused me to ask myself, “Is that arrogant?” WHOAH! That was a HUGE eye opener for me. What a mental block, to view that posture as arrogant! I didn’t even know that I felt that way, and I am now seeking to make sure that double-minded instability stays rooted out!
• I HAVE something to say about algebra preparedness/readiness.
  • Reflection: At some point, you’ve just got to stop lit searching and start writing, or you will never have a paper. While this is 100% logical (smile), for some types (me included), it is easier said then done. It always feels like there is more out there that I need to learn about a topic before I have the AUDACITY to think I have anything to say about it. Well, this is a master’s thesis, not my final lifetime work achievement. Gotta jump in there at some point! So this is what I tell myself: “Find the best good stuff (i.e. support/literature) you can find, and then use it. Add footnotes if need be to send readers to other better stuff if an unreal and vague sense of “lack of thoroughness” is keeping you from getting done, but stay focused and on message. In fact, start out knowing the message of your thesis before writing, and re-calibrate in real-time as/if need be.” The important thing to realize is that I do indeed already HAVE something to say. An exercise that has helped me is to imagine what I would do if I could not obtain another source, PDF, book, etc. What would my paper look like under these conditions? I must admit I could get a REASONABLE paper out. At some point then, I need to say what it is that I HAVE that I can say. Yes.
• I have SOMETHING to say about algebra preparedness/readiness!
  • Reflection: With this recitation, I say the whole phrase pointedly: “I have something to say about algebra preparedness and algebra readiness! Why, yes I do!” If I say this in a wimpy way which sounds like a question (“I have something to say about algebra preparedness and readiness???”) then I’m probably blocked somewhere writing-wise. But if I say “Why, yes I do!: I have something to say about algebra preparedness and algebra readiness,” and if I then THINK ABOUT WHY THAT IS . . . then I’m unblocked: I have something to say about because of _____ and _____ and because ____ and ____. TRY IT!
• I have something TO SAY about algebra preparedness/readiness.
  • Next, it is very important to realize that I have something TO SAY . . . meaning to get in print, down on paper. In the academy, that is one way that we talk, learn, and grow and strengthen the discourse: by saying stuff ON PAPER or IN PRINT. I have something that I need TO WRITE. I can’t just keep thinking and reading about it or even verbally talking about it with peers and family members who love me enough to serve as sounding boards. I can’t just keep brainstorming about it. I have something TO SAY ON PAPER that is worthy of being crystallized in black and white and publicized so that others can read it, think about it, “talk” (i.e. write) about it, and perhaps use it. Oh, my. That brings me to the last and final recitation . . .
• I have some THING(S) to say about algebra preparedness and readiness:
  • Reflection: What is there that I know, that I can say about what’s already been said, or about what’s happening, or about what my research is saying and what IT says about what has already been said? These are the THINGS that I have to say about algebra preparedness and readiness. They are worthy (gulp) to be in print. Not because I’m me, but because my experiences (including my research and MY reading) and resultant insight enable me to CONTRIBUTE to my discipline’s discourse about this. That is all. We care: We are not arrogant. We are not overconfident.We care enough TO CONTRIBUTE, which includes properly preparing to do so. Our hearts are good! Chutpah’s okay (smile).

So that’s an illustration of how I use the statement to get unblocked. You may not EVER have such blocks. Awesome! Write on! But if you do, or if you do at times, the right mentality is needed to move past thoughts or attitudes that debilitate or block. For me, doing this exercise actually helps and leads to productivity. Who knew?!?? What a PLEASANT surprise. I’ll take it!!!

What works for you? Please comment to let us know!!! I’ll pas it along at phinished.org.

Best!

Kettlebells: So Efficient a Workout that Even RESEARCHER-WRITER-STUDENT-TEACHER Folks Have Time for THIS!

Courtesy of Google Images

I woke up one day last month and realized that I was putting the thesis above my own health. I just felt too behind and thus too guilty to section off time for exercise and CONSISTENT healthy eating.

I decided not to give in to that thinking, and to turn it around: “No. Just because I’ve had a time of figuring out how to progress with the master’s thesis does NOT mean I’m a person who deserves to eat poorly or leave my body unexercised! No!”

So I returned to my favorite nutrition/eating principles–those explained in The Abs Diet (I use the version for women). And I resumed doing exercises and strength-training routines that I love (very key–it helps to love it) that work for me: jump roping to a DVD, doing my Abs Diet for Women exercise DVD, riding my exercise bike, etc.

I also began researching Zumba and attended a free class at Lifetime Fitness. (Really liked it, but simply don’t have time to drive to and from the gym, and don’t want to spend the extra gas money or harm the environment burning more gas to get there. Instead, I’m probably going to get the Xbox Kinect version so that doing Zumba can serve several roles at once: exercise, family time, fun, relaxation, dance, laughter, etc.).

Anyway . . . Soon after the Zumba class I stumbled upon kettebell exercising. Wow! I think I’m in love! If you haven’t heard of it, let the research begin! It is the most efficient, goal-oriented, interesting, fun exercise I have found in a long, long time. I don’t like to exercise when it’s not part of an activity, like bowling or volleyball. So, it is saying a LOT that I love to do kettlebell work. A lot.

Below are some links to information about kettlebell exercising. I am slated to attend a kettlebell workshop on proper form so that I can soon begin intermediate and advance kettlebell moves SAFELY. I have started out with a 10 lb. kettlebell because I have very little upper arm strength. Once I attend the kettlebell form workshop, I’ll try to remember to post back my views on whether it was worth it or not. NOTE: As you peruse the information, please be aware that not all who have kettlebell DVDs know the intricacies of proper form. So, be on the lookout for that: If you find something that looks fun but does not emphasize form, simply augment with something that teaches form, or find a form workshop near you.

• GoFit Contoured Single Vinyl Coated Kettlebell With Bob Harper Training DVD
• the RKS Kettlebell workout DVD (expensive so feel free to start with something much less expensive . . . but reading the REVIEWS provides MUCH information)
• the Kettlebell Bombshell DVD
• the On the Edge Fitness website
• the Dragon Door website

Workflowy

Lastly, I just wanted to briefly share a really, really, really good list-making app that a phinished member just shared at the phorum: Workflowy. It’s good. It’s quick. But most importantly, it’s just simple and works. I use it to outline and write. Along with Lifespace, I have GREAT vision of what I’m doing and where I’m seeking to go.

Like you, perhaps, I sometimes get sick of all of these new apps. So, I wouldn’t mention Workflowy if it wasn’t worth your time. It’s worth a gander.

As always, thank you for visiting the blog.

Best wishes during this end-of-the-semester and end-of-the-school-year season. PLEASE KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND EYES FORWARD on YOUR path. Remember: Your path does not have to look like others’ paths in order for it to be the right path for you. I know this is a season for finishing up. If this is your time for finishing, congratulations!!! Post and share your victory: It inspires. If this is not YET your time to be finished, one step after the other. It’s okay: Just keep a’swimmin’. It’s going to happen for you in a future semester, just like it’s happening for someone else now, if you just keep swimming! I’m in the water, too! Thanks for the company!

Check out Lifespace. It’s REALLY working for me!

Okay: So, I contacted the creator of the website Lifespace (at www.lifespace.com) about privacy issues. That done, I can say: THIS is what I’ve been waiting for. Why? Well, there’s a thought in wisdom literature that says “Where this is no vision, the people perish.” This awesome site let’s you create and keep in mind the vision for each area of life. I love the email reminders, too. Brilliant!

Now to add thesis goals and tasks . . .

Please check it out and let me know what you think!

Blessings!

BONUS POST: “Where do I start after having been stuck for years?”

Howdy!

Recently at phinished.org, a new member introduced himself/herself, asking the question: “Where do I start after having been stuck for years?

Below are the tips I–as a peer and not an advisor–shared. What are your thoughts?

“Where to start?” you ask?

Well, the answer likely varies from person to person and from case to case. However, this is what has helped me (I am not “phinished,” and am thus just a peer, so please take this with a grain of salt!!!):

1. Manage emotions: Obtain whatever advice, resource, quote, activity, etc. that empowers you to manage emotions related to doing this type of work. Emotion affects cognition. This framework on the topic helped me: http://rsdf.wikispaces.com/Describin…of+researching
2. Find the type of participation at Phinished that works best for you, whether it is participating in one of the productive chat rooms, participating at the daily or weekly, etc.
3. Refuse to work in isolation: (1) Let others read your work, especially if you need to clarify your thinking. I have had people read my freewrites, outlines, mind maps, etc. Never was open to that before. Helps tremendously! AND/OR (2) Have group work sessions (for accountability, camaraderie, growth) when prudent.
4. Be aware of the skills that research requires. I have found the Researcher Development Skills information at Adelaide University to be incredibly illuminating.
5. Find out what KNOWLEDGE is needed to join your discipline’s conversation. For instance, I needed to know the relationship between theoretical frameworks, methodology, methods, and philosophical perspectives. Nobody told me I need to know ALL of that. I “figured this out” by floundering and reflecting on why I was floundering: “Hmm. I don’t have the ability to comment on the cohesiveness of a paper’s theoretical framework and methods. I also don’t know the significance of working under phenomenology versus some other framework. Wait: Is phenomenology a methodology or perspective or framework?” I hope your coursework helps you to understand what knowledge you need. Mine did somewhat. I had to learn to reflect, read example work, attend conferences, etc. in order to discover what OTHER knowledge I was missing and needed. Challenging!
6. Mine the resources link at Phinished (see Resources drop-down menu above). There is a wealth of inspirational and practical information for every aspect of this process.
7. Do what ever it takes to obtain and then work from a VISION for your thesis/dissertation/project. Having an overall vision is just key, key, key momentum-wise, at least for me. (May not be true for everyone).
8. Get organized. For me this involves Mendeley, having a physical thesis binder, Citavi (for especially their research task management utility), working from both physical and digital copies of the literature integral to my paper (so that my computer is not domesticating me! See Thesis Whisperer blog post “Is Your Computer Domesticating You?)
9. Be willing and empowered to deal with the non-linear aspect of the process.
10. Learn to work as briskly as prudent, but also be willing and empowered to take it “bird by bird” (day by day, outline element by outline element, word by word, etc.).
11. Get whatever tools you need, but don’t let the tools “overtake” the process. For instance, I need to have my thesis outlined in Scrivener. This enables me to envision my entire thesis as a whole, and it enables me to paste finished sections into the folders or files corresponding to each Scrivener outline element, and see myself gradually building the thesis. (Boy, does hitting “compile” in Scrivener every now and then feel good!) However, it is critical for me not to get LOST in Scrivener and I have discovered that it is CRITICAL that I avoid Scrivener until the drafting stage. I could spend FOREVER trying to find every way that Scrivener might help me (it is chock full of features). It’s just a tool. “Get in and get out” is my motto. Other tools I need are Mendeley (for the purposes of searching through my vast literature collection), Citavi (for reference management, bibliography generation, note-taking and analytic memo-making, task creating, raw draft generation, etc.), Docear (for importing PDF annotations I’ve made as mind map nodes, and then working those around to develop a paper), NowDoThis (for writing down my vision for how the work session at hand will go), and OmmWriter (for peaceful freewriting to get some organization to the many thoughts that jump into my head when I’m reading across PDF files).

That’s just what is helping me. Everyone’s “helps” will be different, because our issues, skill set, and challenges are. I, for instance, struggled with the writing process. While mining the Phinished resources, I discovered the book “Sense of Structure: Writing from the Reader’s Perspective) and a paper by a professor named Carlis that is about how to complete a one-draft dissertation. Sounds almost crazy, but it is PRECISELY how my mind works (I need to write from a plan of the thoughts I want to share instead of just writing open-endedly). Docear helps me to arrange all of my notes and quotes from the literature before writing. The Carlis document was so affirming and immediately set my emotions in a good place (the affirmation was so soothing!), and helped me to develop a vision for my thesis. That vision is what drives me! It is of this format: “My contribution to my field (in the form of my thesis) is this: ___________________.” (I learned this from the Carlis doc).

So, it may not be the Carlis document that does it for you affirmation- and inspiration-wise. But by seeking and posting and talking with your advisors and/or colleagues, I think it’s possible to capitalize on your strengths, mitigate your weaknesses, develop skills that need developing, and get a vision for what you are doing.

I still miss personal and publicized deadlines and am still developing skills, but at least I know what I’m aiming to do! I might crumple if not for having that very concrete vision at the forefront of my mind all of the time!

What advice would YOU give this poster? Do any of the items above resonate with you? Or there any that you disagree with? If so, what do you suggest instead? As always, our blog would LOVE to have your input: You never know just how many people your shared wisdom might help!

Blessings!

PERFECT & FREE: SpiderOak Syncs and Backs Up Your Work, and It’s Easy!!!

Greetings!

Today’s post will be another quickie but goody:

Last month my laptop died.

Yeah, I know. You’re thinking: “Please tell me you had everything backed up, Mickey! Oh, please!”

Well, sort of. It’s a long story and really random that the day I “unbacked up” things, my laptop died. (NOTE: The “unbackup” was just supposed to be momentary, and I had a good reason!). I was able to salvage 90% of my PDFs because I store my PDFs in Mendeley, and Mendely backs up to the web. That was a HUGE relief.

I lost a lot of other stuff, though. It was a low, low blow. Thank God for tech-y spouse, who reinstalled my new hard drive and re-downloaded or re-installed all of of my software. (I’m pretty sure his latest blog post was inspired by his work to get me back up and running.) It still required a tremendous effort to get back to where I was before (writing progress-wise), though. Uggh.

Lesson learned! I now  backup every thesis-related thing I produce via SpiderOak. It syncs beautifully, backs up effortlessly, and is super-duper simple and intuitive to use.

What is your method of backing up your data and work? How do you like your method? Do you have a “lost work” or “lost data” horror story to share to inspire folks to back up their work? Inquiring minds want to know, so please feel free to share via a comment what’s working for you!

Blessings!

The Power of SINGLE-tasking: For a Glimpse Paste This Text to NowDoThis.com

Greetings!

Lately task management, effectiveness, motivation, and efficiency have endured as topics of concern both in my circle of fellow graduate students and at the academic forums at which I participate. Accordingly, in this post I prompt you to explore the wonderful and SIMPLY effective tool, NowDoThis, which takes advantage of the power of single-tasking.

I think that the best way to learn about the usefulness and workings of NowDoThis is to jump in and try it and then afterwards visit the NowDoThis blog to quickly learn the details about how to effect certain features in NowDoThis.

Give it go, then! Let me help: To being experimenting with NowDoThis, you can copy and paste the list below into a blank text window at NowDoThis.com and click “Ready.” Then explore! Explore the tabs feature by clicking on different tabs. Then return to the FIRST tab (freewrite) and experiment with the timer (when there is one!). Try starting the timer and pausing the timer. Next, click “done” and see what happens. Continue exploring and clicking.

After conducting this exploration, pay a brief visit to the NowDoThis blog at http://nowdothis.tumblr.com to learn details. (NOTE: The best tip I gleaned from the blog is how to get NowDoThis to run in the sidebar/bookmark window in Firefox, freeing your main window browser up while keeping your tasks displayed to the left. Brilliant!)

Once you have gleaned insight from the NowDoThis blog, try it on your own! Start afresh and type a to-do list into NowDoThis. Use colons, time tags, etc. to create the effects you desire.

Below in blue is that practice list I mentioned above for you to copy and paste into NowDoThis.com. Please let me know your thoughts about NowDoThis and/or single-tasking. Your reviews are GREATLY appreciated and help others to know what to try and avoid, saving people time!

Blessings!

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Note: Copy and paste the blue text below into NowDoThis.com to explore the NowDoThis app:

Step 1 Freewrite:
(1 of 5) Open a blank word processor file (20 sec)
(2 of 5) Write about what you know so far (5 min)
(3 of 5) Write about what you did last work session (3 min)
(4 of 5) Write about what’s missing in this conversation (3 min)
(5 of 5) Write about what you want to accomplish today toward continuing the conversation (3 min)

Step 2 Skim prior stuff:
Note You will write out a to-do list as you are skimming
(1 of 5) Grab the file folders containing the lit you are presently working with
(2 of 5) Skim it just to reacclimate your mind
(3 of 5) Open work files you worked on last session
(4 of 5) Skim them, just to reacclimate your mind
(5 of 5) Write the to-do’s that came to mind as you skimmed

Step 3 Type your to-do list into NowDoThis:
Type your to-do list into NowDoThis (10 min)

Link to “Stop Sabotaging Your Own Success: A Manifesto”

Greetings!

“Stop Sabotaging Your Own Success: A Manifesto”: What a great blog post title, yes?!??

Well, the content did not disappoint! It’s definitely worth your time for the quotes alone.

Check it out at “Stop Sabotaging Your Own Success: A Manifesto.”

I know you’ll get something from it!

Blessings!

[Video] Quotes and Tips Photo Album for a PhD/MA Survival Kit

The best dissertation is a done dissertation.

One tiny step at a time: That’s the way.

Working feels better than not working.

Quotes and tips such as these actually really help as they take root and become a part of the thesis or dissertation writer’s mindset, especially when reinforced and shared in a community of writers and researchers.

So how to keep them at the forefront of one’s mind once you identify the quotes and tips that really help you?

I’m sure there are many, many ways. What I’ve done is to create a 4-inch by 6-inch photo album of said quotes and tips, complete with a STAND so the quotes and tips can be displayed as I work (see 50-sec video below). The frame cost me $5, and it took me 15 minutes to copy and paste the quotes and tips as jpegs or MS PowerPoint slides and another 6-7 minutes to print and cut them out.

Besides those displayed in the video, I have some VERY personal KITA (“kick-in-the-a**) quotes in the photo album as well! The photo album is an item in my PhD/MA Survival Kit.

How do you keep helpful quotes, tips, and desired mindsets at the forefront of your mind? Please share!

Awesome Writing FLOW Tool!: Do You Have A Workboard? See This Portable, Highly-Motivating DELIVERABLES Workboard

Greetings, fellow researchers and/or writers!

Why Use a Workboard? Because Flow is Paramount!!!
So, after watching one of the MOST insightful, habit-changing webinars on writing that I’ve had the pleasure to digest (see http://membersonly.3monththesis.com), I was inspired to create a workboard that would be super-duper inherently motivating and causative of flow for me!

Below are the fruits of those efforts, and so far it’s been FANTASTIC working from it.

What do you do to maintain flow? Please post a comment to respond to this pertinent question or the workboard materials shared below. And . . . if you do find this post helpful or inspiring, please let me in on that feedback and do share with others who might benefit!

Blessings!

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1. Up-Close View of the Four Workboard Sheets from the Picture Below (i.e. the documents as one PDF that you can view, scroll through, and download if you like)
Documents Used To Create My Productivity Focused Working Board.pdf

2. The 2ft-by-2ft portable sticky note that is my workboard (contains 4 sheet protectors and 4 PDFs)

My Visually-and-Psychologically-Motivating, Pomodoro-Technique-Compatible DELIVERABLES Workboard (NOTE: You can design and configure your own or download the sheets above.)

3. Video: An 80-Second Tour of the DELIVERABLES Workboard

To Make the Workboard (Of course, design your own pages and let us know what YOUR workboard is like!)
The following is a list of the few items you’d need to purchase in order to make the portable, sticky note workboard:

1. one Post-It Easel Pad (pad of huge sticky notes) available from office supply stores (here is an Amazon link to a two-pack of huge sticky notes)
2. one packet of 8.5-inch x 11-inch sheet protectors (here is an Amazon link to a pack of sheet protectors) (IMPORTANT NOTE: sheets with matte finish are easier to write on than glossy finish, but the best sheet protectors to purchase for this project are those specifically manufactured to be written upon, which I don’t know if they make anymore!)
3. scotch tape for adhering the transparencies to the sticky note

NOTE: You also need a dry erase marker if you want to write on top of the transparencies. I’m finding that a medium-sized marker tip works well, and that the large marker tip does not.

LAST THOUGHT: “Does the huge sticky ever stop sticking?” you ask. So glad you asked!!!
So far the sticky that is my workboard has kept sticking (and very well), but I’ve only moved the sticky note about 10 times as of the writing of this post. It’s staying very sticky. However, here’s my very simple workaround if the sticky note WERE to start losing stickiness: I will staple a NEW, BLANK sticky to the BACK of my whiteboard sticky. Problem solved!

I hope this post has been helpful in inspiring you to think about flow and motivation and ways you might keep yours high! Please feel free to reply with comments, questions, suggestions, etc.!

Blessings!

Smart-A** Responses to Questions about Your Thesis/Dissertation Progress

A phinished.org member recently started a new thread wherein she asked people how they respond to the DREADED “How’s your thesis/dissertation coming along?” or “When again will you be done?” questions.

I have tweaked and combined two responses (a list of humorous, smart-a** answer and a real answer) into the content below. Please add your favorite responses in the comments! We’d love to hear them.

Wishing you peaceful patience with self and others. Enjoy!

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The smart-a** responses (good for a laugh)!

10. “D*mn! I knew that there was something that I forgot to do….”
9. “As soon as my pimp starts giving me Thursdays off so that I can go to the library.”
8. “Whenever the little voices tell me to finish.”
7. “When I’ve had as much fun as I can stand.”
6. “Finish? And leave all of this glamorous stress and poverty behind? You must be mad.”
5. “No one finishes her dissertation in my department. Our degree program is like the Bottomless Coffee Pot at International House of Pancakes.”
4. “I used to want to finish — but that was before I fell in love with my advisor. As long as those chapter review meetings are the only way for me to spend time with him/her, I’m not going anywhere, pal.”
3. “Don’t spread this around, but I’m just in it for the Student Loan checks.”
2. “As soon as I find that quarter that I dropped in the library five years ago.”
1. “When? Never. The grad student thing is my new cover identity: I’m really in the Federal Witness Protection Program.”

A REAL ANSWER: “I have to write a book that is approved by my supervisor and 3 experts in my field. And I can’t just tell the story (that would be journalism). This is social science. That means I have to lay some theory on top of it. The theory is complex as I must treat the topic quite thoroughly, so . . . Any suggestions?”

A Neat Proofreading Technique: Create and Hear a PDF Version of Your Written Document

Today’s post is a quickie but goodie:

Below is a 1-and-a-half minute -long video demonstrating a neat proofreading technique:
1. Save your written document as a PDF.
2. Open it in a PDF application that can read the PDF aloud.
3. Listen, and then edit the soft or hard copy until your document additionally “sounds” good.

I cannot take credit for this technique: a poster at http://www.phinished.org mentioned it.

Enjoy, and as always, happy researching/writing!